PETSTOCK stores across the Mornington Peninsula will host rescue animal adoption weekends this month, giving locals the chance to offer a forever home to pets in need.
Four peninsula stores are taking part, with events running from 10am to 2pm.
- Mornington Moggie Rescue will attend Petstock Mornington (Nepean Hwy) on 23 and 24 May
- Racing 2 Rehome, a Victorian greyhound rescue, will be at Petstock Mornington Central (Mornington-Tyabb Rd) on 23 May
- Peninsula Cat Rescue Inc will be at Petstock Somerville on 24 May
- Starting Over Dog Rescue will be at Petstock Rosebud on 23 and 24 May.
The events come as new Petstock Foundation research found one in six pet owners had seriously considered rehoming their pet due to cost of living pressures – something Jenny Cooper, manager of Petstock Mornington Central, said she was witnessing firsthand.
“I see a lot of posts on Facebook with people trying to raise money because they’ve rescued a dog and they need surgery, and these rescue groups just cannot afford to get them done anymore,” said Cooper.
Kara Elton-Baker, who runs Mornington Moggie Rescue from Tyabb, currently has 52 cats and kittens in care across seven foster homes – more than this time last year. Her group has started providing short-term food and flea treatment to struggling owners as an alternative to surrender.
“Sometimes it’s that initial shock of not being able to afford something,” said Elton-Baker.
“Sometimes people just need that breathing space for a couple of weeks.”
Finding foster carers remains the group’s greatest challenge alongside finances.
“Without enough foster carers opening their hearts and homes, we’re struggling – we can’t save more,” said Elton-Baker.
Tenille Munn, manager of Petstock Mornington (Nepean Hwy), said local rescues had seen more surrenders and were seeking greater donation support.
Around 15 cats and kittens are expected at Petstock Mornington on 23 and 24 May, where visitors can meet the animals, speak with rescue volunteers and apply to adopt or foster.
“When you’ve got so many pets in the one area looking for a home, there is always going to be the best one there for you,” said Munn.
“Adoption changes two lives,” said Elton-Baker.
“It changes the animal’s life and your own. There are so many cats and kittens in rescue waiting for that second chance – every adoption opens the door for another to be saved.”
New adopters who sign up during May receive $20 in Pet Cash added to a free Petstock Rewards Membership, redeemable on anything in store.
The Petstock Foundation has found homes for more than 41,000 rescue pets since 2007. This year’s campaign aims to raise $150,000 nationally to support more than 230 grassroots rescue partners.
For details, visit petstock.com.au/adopt
First published in the Mornington News – 19 May 2026
